---
title: Resize the compose box
---

import FlattenedSteps from "../../components/FlattenedSteps.astro";
import ZulipTip from "../../components/ZulipTip.astro";
import StartComposing from "../include/_StartComposing.mdx";

import CollapseDiagonalIcon from "~icons/zulip-icon/collapse-diagonal";
import ExpandDiagonalIcon from "~icons/zulip-icon/expand-diagonal";
import MaximizeDiagonalIcon from "~icons/zulip-icon/maximize-diagonal";

When composing a long message, it can be helpful to expand the compose
box to display more text and avoid distractions. Note that the compose
box also stretches automatically when you type a long message.

<FlattenedSteps>
  <StartComposing />

  1. Move your mouse to the compose box area.
  1. Click the <ExpandDiagonalIcon />, <MaximizeDiagonalIcon />, or <CollapseDiagonalIcon /> button in the top right corner of the text
     box.
</FlattenedSteps>

<ZulipTip>
  Which button you see depends on the current size of the compose box.
</ZulipTip>

## Related articles

* [Open the compose box](/help/open-the-compose-box)
* [Preview messages before sending](/help/preview-your-message-before-sending)
* [Mastering the compose box](/help/mastering-the-compose-box)
